The bad monster is back again. (Oh wait, it never went away!) We as americans have been extremely lousy with taking precautions against covid, keeping vulnerable people at risk. As someone who's travelled the last few months, I've seen what COVID has done to a lot if countries, and honestly, it scares me how for granted we're taking the information we get.

Wearing a face mask is an important step in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Studies have shown that face coverings can contain droplets expelled from the wearer, which are responsible for the majority of transmission of the virus.

Scientists have proven that masking lowers COVID-19 cases, even in the long term, and a report published in Health Affairs found that widespread community use of face coverings could reduce daily new cases by as much as 66%. Proper masking technique is essential, so hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds before and after touching a mask.  Masking up properly also preserves surgical masks and N-95 masks for healthcare workers who may be involved in direct care of patients with COVID-19.

Wearing a mask might feel uncomfortable at first, but it is an important step to take to protect ourselves and others from the virus.